Champaign, Illinois isn’t quite Cannes or Park City, Utah, but the film festival hosted there annually in Roger Ebert’s name is as charming as they come. Now Ebertfest, in its 17th year, has announced its lineup of films prior to its four day run in April. It was previously announced that Jean-Luc Godard’s acclaimed Goodbye to …
Day Two of Ebertfest began early (9 am), with a discussion panel titled “Challenging Stigma Through The Arts”, which focused on Short Term 12 and its depiction of struggling teens. The panelists, a combination of artists, critics, and social work professionals, explored the connection between trauma, expression, and the arts, as well as the progression …
Ebertfest had an emotional start this year, kicking off with Steve James’ documentary Life Itself. This film, more of a memorial to Roger Ebert than a biography, examines the life and work of Ebert, along with the handful of decisions and relationships that most significantly shaped his life. It was a lovely way to begin …
After the surprising thematic unity of day two of Ebertfest (the four films screened explored similar topics), with day three’s picks Roger Ebert seemed more interested in exploring contradictions. The day began with director Joachim Trier’s Oslo, August 31st, a Norwegian film that follows a recovering drug addict, Anders, over the course of his day. …
The rain, and later cold, didn’t deter audiences as big numbers turned out for day two of Ebertfest. As evidenced by the pairing of “I Remember” with Days of Heaven, Roger put tremendous thought into his programming of the festival, something clearly on display with his choices for day two. The power and beauty of …